GCPS LINKS

December 18, 2025

• Important dates to start the year
• Holiday safety tips
• Warming station information
• Superintendent Search

Each year, Gwinnett County Public Schools celebrates the magic of the holiday season with a festive showcase highlighting the diverse talents of our students and staff. Sounds of the Season features student musicians in choirs, orchestras, bands, and solo performances from across GCPS. This video showcases groups of all ages and types performing holiday music and bringing the spirit of the season to families and the community throughout December. GCPS Fine Arts Director, David DuBose, says Sounds of the Season began as a way to give families the opportunity to view and celebrate GCPS Fine Arts performances.

• Paul Duke STEM High School honored for work to improve student outcomes

• GCPS high school selected to participate in the GaDOE Gifted in Action series

• North Gwinnett High School student wins 2nd place in 2025 Congressional App Challenge

• Students find belonging in DECA Regional competition
• Three former students nominated for 2026 GRAMMY Awards
  
• Discovery High School student selected for Honors Symphony Orchestra
  

• Students return to school on Monday, January 5.
• Thursday, January 15 is the 100th Day of School!
• Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is Monday, January 19. All GCPS schools and facilities are closed.

If you're traveling:

• Prepare your car for winter and keep an emergency kit with you.
• Plan ahead for heavy traffic.
• Make sure every person in the vehicle is properly buckled up no matter how long or short the distance traveled.
• Put that cellphone away; many distractions occur while driving, but cellphones are the main culprit.

When decorating your home:

• Keep potentially poisonous plants – mistletoe, holly berries, Jerusalem cherry, and amaryllis – away from children.
• If using a live tree, remember to water it every day, and remove it from your home when it is dry.
• Place your tree at least 3 feet away from fireplaces, radiators, and other heat sources, making certain not to block doorways.
• Turn off all lights and decorations when you go to bed or leave the house.

When you're choosing gifts:

• Toys are age-rated for safety, not for children’s intellect and physical ability, so be sure to choose toys in the correct age range.
• When giving scooters and other riding toys, give the gift of appropriate safety gear, too; helmets should be worn at all times and they should be sized to fit.
• To find out about holiday toy safety and recalls before purchase, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission website.

• Brookwood High School’s musical director leads her 100th show

• Gwinnett County teachers awarded Jackson EMC Bright Ideas grants

• Trickum Middle School educator selected for LEAD CTAE program
• McConnell Middle School teacher awarded $5K grant

Gwinnett County will open warming stations for residents to receive temporary, overnight relief when temperatures fall to 35 degrees and below. If you or someone you know needs a place to rest and eat a meal, please find a station near you. For more details, visit GwinnettCounty.com/WarmingStations or call 770-822-8850.

The Gwinnett County Board of Education released the Superintendent/CEO Job Prospectus, a comprehensive, community-centered profile outlining the qualities, priorities, and expectations for the next leader of Gwinnett County Public Schools. The prospectus reflects insights gathered through an extensive engagement process across all five Board districts. Learn more on the Superintendent Search webpage.

You can email your School Board members, individually or as a group; or contact the Coordinator of Board Services at 678-301-6040 or by email at MySchoolBoard@gcpsk12.org.

The next regular Board meeting is December 18. Attend in person, view the livestream, or watch the recording on GCPS TV.

Follow the Board of Education on social media:

• Facebook
• Instagram
• LinkedIn

• GCPS Links December 4
• Connected December 11